Impact NW – Social Services Nonprofit Agency in the Portland Metro Area

Impact NW appoints new Deputy Director as it focuses on new mission to prevent homelessness

June 18, 2019

Impact NW has named a new Deputy Director as it focuses on its new mission of preventing homelessness.

Impact NW Partner Highlight: Bank of America

April 26, 2019

Impact NW is grateful to Bank of America for its support and generous donations to provide individuals and families with basic needs such as housing.

CORE Program Highlight

April 1, 2019

This short video highlights the work of Impact NW's CORE program, which supports young adults in cultivating job readiness and acquiring the skills necessary to attain gainful employment.

Keia's Story

March 28, 2019

Check out this gorgeous short film from Person People, highlighting Impact NW program participant Keia Henry's story of cultivating resilience and strength in partnership with Impact NW.

Impact NW names Andy Nelson as new Executive Director

March 20, 2019

Andy Nelson will step into the role of Executive Director for Impact NW. Jeff Cogen has decided to leave after fulfilling his promise of returning Impact NW back to financial health.

AWS Elemental makes science kits to support educational opportunities for Impact NW youth programs

March 8, 2019

During the month of February, AWS Elemental brought employees to our Dancing Tree Resource Center to build science kits for Impact NW’s AKA Science (All Kids Are Scientists) program, which provides provide fun, hands-on, interactive science education curriculum and materials to over 50 schools in the Portland area.

Impact NW honors Black History month

February 28, 2019

Last week, through our Independent Living Program (ILP), Impact NW honored Black History month by hosting a life skills event specifically tailored to commemorating and educating youth about black history.

Press Release: Impact NW's 2019 Annual Luncheon

February 4, 2019

Impact NW will reveal its new strategic plan and brand identity at its one hour Annual Luncheon on February 27, 2019 at The Sentinel Hotel. The luncheon will highlight Impact NW’s renewed commitment to preventing homelessness.

Client story: Helping our neighbors stabilize and strengthen

November 16, 2018

Angelina faced a problem. Her husband had recently undergone…

Meet one of our Board Members: Chris Scherer

November 16, 2018

I am honored to serve as a board member for Impact NW, one of…

Stronger Through Partnership!

May 29, 2018

Impact NW feels privileged to benefit from the committed and ongoing support of caring volunteers in our community. This year WE Communications (WE) was selected as a winner of one of Impact NW’s Dedicated Corporate Volunteer Awards. This honor highlights the incredible service and dedication of a team of volunteers – a group that goes above and beyond to serve Impact NW’s clients and staff.

Impact NW & Buckman SUN Honors Volunteers!

May 4, 2018

To commemorate National Volunteer Appreciation Month, Impact NW has selected two outstanding individuals as Honored Volunteers, to publically acknowledge for their unwavering commitment, energy, and contribution to our SUN Community School site at Buckman Elementary.

Jerome Smith and his children (left to right): Benjamin, Judah, Levi, Joseph, and Jasmine

It Can Happen to Anyone - Jerome’s Story

March 6, 2018

Working to achieve stability while experiencing homelessness can often feel like a full-time job. Meet one Impact NW client whose persistence and determination helped him succeed.

Grant from Kaiser Permanente Helps Seniors Thrive

February 13, 2018

Aging adults thrive when they are able to remain in their own homes, surrounded by a community of friends and family. We’re excited to announce that a generous $15,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente will allow us to continue to help Portland’s aging population thrive.

Impact NW Honors Tech Companies Working to Combat Homelessness

February 9, 2018

Innovative project providing short & long-term relief for the homeless to be highlighted at Power of One Luncheon event.

Joselyn, Misseal, and Jessica Beck - SHINE Supervisor at Kinnaman Elementary

Second-grader on the importance of SHINE

February 5, 2018

Second-grader shares the importance of SHINE Community Schools to Washington County Panel.

Your Impact this Holiday Season (2017 Holiday Recap)

January 31, 2018

Our community helped us raise over $80,000 and thousands of gifts and warm clothing items for people in need this holiday season. Thank you for supporting Impact NW!

AWS Elemental continues to support AKA Science

January 17, 2018

We know that getting kids interested in science matters—and we're grateful that local tech company AWS Elemental thinks so, too! Their consistent support helps bring fun, interactive science classes to hundreds of kids in the Portland area.

Impact NW's 2017: Our Favorite Moments

December 29, 2017

As 2017 comes to an end, we feel it’s important to reflect on how far we’ve come in our work to inspire hope and empower independence. We’re happy to share some of our favorite moments of 2017 as we look forward to another fantastic year.

Meet the team that cares for our community's vulnerable elders

December 13, 2017

The small Impact NW Senior GAP team that supports hundreds of older adults play a vital role in our community, keeping our aging, vulnerable populations safe.

"The Opportunities are Endless"

September 6, 2017

Early childhood education can open the door to success for kids in poverty. And when we invest in our children, society rises up alongside them.

Early Childhood Inequality (Infographic)

August 10, 2017

Early childhood education can open the door to success for kids in poverty. And when we invest in our children, society rises up alongside them.

Heidi Brinnich at the 2016 Annual Garden Party

Impact Spotlight: Heidi Brinnich

August 10, 2017

For Heidi Brinnich, getting involved with Impact NW through volunteering & attending events provided an opportunity for healing and transformation.

Undocumented: Young minds feel the strain of families broken apart.

August 3, 2017

As a provider to our community’s most vulnerable populations, Impact NW responds to children and families in need. Recently, our staff and volunteers have been finding ways to respond and support children directly affected by the national uncertainties surrounding the topic of immigration.

Three reasons why volunteering as a corporate team is worth your time

July 31, 2017

What does volunteering to help teach resume writing and interviewing skills have to do with fostering a strong corporate team? Just ask Jennifer Birk, a Consultant at Propeller Consulting.

We walk with Jeff.

July 28, 2017

Jeff Cogen, Impact NW’s Executive Director, experienced a moderate stroke on July 21. The Impact NW community, like everyone, was saddened by the news. Yet, in the days since, we are doing what we do best: rallying for someone who needs us.

An Eye for Photography

July 13, 2017

William Walker Elementary School student, Yair, developed his talent in digital photography through after-school classes at Impact NW's SHINE Program.

Barry Hendrix, Impact NW Board Treasurer

"Why I'm Stepping Up"

July 5, 2017

Barry Hendrix, Board Treasurer, discusses his passion for community involvement and his investment in the good works of Impact NW.

Beaver Acres SHINE Students Celebrate School Year

June 15, 2017

After participating in a multitude of after-school classes during the school year, students in Impact NW's SHINE Community School program hosted a showcase of their work.

Trauma Infographic - How Trauma Clouds the Brain

How Trauma Clouds the Brain - Infographic

May 26, 2017

Trauma isn’t just physical. It includes a wide variety of situations that can result in lifelong consequences with devastating effects.

This nine-year-old gave up birthday presents to help other kids

This Nine-Year-Old helped Impact NW with his Goal of Giving Back

May 18, 2017

Domestic Violence Impacts 1 in 3 Women. Most incidents of domestic violence go unreported. Even fewer people seek help. Maria is the exception.

Domestic Violence: Maria's Story

May 11, 2017

Domestic Violence Impacts 1 in 3 Women. Most incidents of domestic violence go unreported. Even fewer people seek help. Maria is the exception.

Charting a New Path for Impact NW

April 26, 2017

Chief Financial Officer Kevin Washington offers a new perspective on re-aligning Impact NW as an agency to best serve our clients and community.

Impact NW and Providence Team up

April 20, 2017

Going to the doctor, we expect to get our blood pressure taken. But imagine if the doctor asked us if we were getting enough to eat?

Domestic Violence: Healing doesn't come with a manual

April 5, 2017

Parenting doesn't come with a manual—and healing from domestic violence doesn't, either. Learn about how we help safe parents & kids heal.

Club Impact participants meet new friends and hang out in a safe space for adults with disabilities to practice social skills.

Adults with disabilities need a space to socialize, too

March 15, 2017

Domestic violence impacts one in three women. But most incidents of domestic violence go unreported. Even fewer people seek help. Carmen is the exception.

Over 130,000 calls for help were made to Oregon's domestic violence services in 2014.

Impact NW and Verizon team up for No More Week

March 7, 2017

Domestic violence impacts one in three women. But most incidents of domestic violence go unreported. Even fewer people seek help. Carmen is the exception.

Impact NW Invests in Future by Naming New Chief Financial Officer

February 16, 2017

Impact NW has made a major investment in its future as a premier provider of education and social services by naming Kevin Washington as its new Chief Financial Officer.

We stand with you.

February 13, 2017

In these times of growing fear and uncertainty in our community in response to recent executive orders from the White House, know that Impact NW stands with you.

Four myths about poverty—busted

February 10, 2017

To set the record straight on what it's like to live with financial hardships, we're busting four common myths about poverty.

Holiday Hope Drive 2016 Recap

January 24, 2017

Our community helped us raise over $60,000 and thousands of warm clothing items for people in need this holiday season. Thank you for supporting Impact NW!

Bishops Barbershop returns to support Impact NW by providing free haircuts

Bishops Barbershop Brings Hope at the Holidays

December 2, 2016

Bishops Barbershop returns this year to support Impact NW by providing free haircuts to Impact NW clients.

Anthony, a father of twin boys, found support at Impact NW's Richmond Place

A Place to Call Home: Anthony's Story

December 1, 2016

“Impact NW was the first place that opened its doors to me as a single parent,” explained Anthony. “They’re more than a landlord—they’re your advocate, and they fight for you."

Hope for Families Impacted by Domestic Violence

Impact NW Receives Grants for Domestic Violence Survivors

November 23, 2016

Dozens more families in our community, who are impacted by domestic violence, will receive services, thanks to two new grant awards.

Dianne Denham and Jeff Cogen display donated coats

Local Businesses Spread the Warmth

November 17, 2016

For the fourth year in a row, Philadelphia Insurance and Heffernan Insurance Brokers pledged to keep Portland warm by partnering with Impact NW to collect and distribute hundreds of cold-weather clothing.

Community at Work: Ralph Gilliam

November 5, 2016

Ralph Gilliam, former Impact NW committee member & founder of Club Impact, a social club for adults with disabilities, shares his passion for helping others.

Portland's Homelessness Epidemic (Infographic)

October 25, 2016

On any given night, 1 in 165 people in Portland is homeless. But Impact NW is creating a solution through our programs and services.

Impact NW Creates Online Job Manufacturing Board

October 10, 2016

Local manufacturers are challenged to find skilled workers. Youth unemployment in the region is among the highest in the nation. Impact NW’s response? A new website that links youth in East Multnomah County to careers in manufacturing.

A Collective Vision for the Future

July 22, 2016

"As I take over as Executive Director of Impact NW this month, I see a community that needs Impact NW more than ever." - Jeff Cogen, Executive Director

Thank you for helping us fill our pantry!

Our generous partners filled our food pantry!

July 20, 2016

Our pantry has food once more thanks to two generous partners, Rose City Riveters and Food Wars!

Impact NW and YWCA Announce Evolving Partnership and New Leadership

July 12, 2016

Impact NW and the YWCA of Greater Portland, premier providers of educational and social services in the greater Portland metro area, are happy to announce expanded leadership and updates to their growing partnership.

Fun at Oaks Amusement Park for Club Impact

June 14, 2016

Club members and friends enjoyed a day of fun rides and a picnic lunch at Oaks Park.

Don't turn your NW Natural Gas off this summer—we can help!

May 26, 2016

Elemental Technologies Awards AKA Science $30,000 Grant

AKA Science awarded $30,000 grant from Elemental Technologies

May 2, 2016

The $30,000 grant will be distributed over three years, coming from Elemental Technology's newly-created Community Investment Fund.

Impact NW employee Brittany plans to ride 500 miles throughout the Pacific Northwest to raise money for Buckman SUN School

500 Miles of Biking for Buckman Elementary

April 25, 2016

Seniors Share Perspectives on Community Issues

April 19, 2016

On April 19th, 2017, community members and organizations that provide care and resources to seniors gathered to educate the public and policy members about the realities of an aging population.

PPS Vestal School Elementary Kindergarten students brave the rain to plant pinwheels in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Pinwheels for Prevention: Raising Awareness about Child Abuse

April 4, 2016

Impact NW partners with local organizations to urge everyone to take action against child abuse.

Siblings help each other stack shapes at the PCDS Bring the Museum to the Community event

We Brought the Children's Museum to our Community

March 21, 2016

On March 9th, 2016, our Parent-Child Development Services program hosted “Bringing the Museum to the Community,” a collaborative event between Portland Children’s Museum and Impact NW.

Club Impact participants celebrate at Oaks Park

Club Impact Celebrates 6 Years

February 26, 2016

"Last night we celebrated our 6th anniversary with pie, ice cream and participant testimonials. I had no idea how moving this would be," said Ralph Gilliam, Impact NW's volunteer who runs Club Impact.

Love is in the Air for Our Senior Client

February 13, 2016

This month, we received a touching letter from a former senior client that we wanted to share with you—just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Pathways to Manufacturing - Make@Impact Reveal

Mayor Charlie Hales attends Impact NW's Makerspace Reveal

November 19, 2015

Impact NW is pleased to reveal an exciting new project for manufacturing, tinkering, and inventing enthusiasts.

Impact NW Volunteer wins Oregon Governor's Volunteer Award

October 15, 2015

Congratulations to Impact NW volunteer Lindsay Lermo for winning the 2015 Oregon Governor’s Award in the Adult Volunteer category on the state level.

The Jade Journal - SUN Program - Courtesy of PPS

The Jade Journal - A Voice Discovered

August 19, 2015

Impact NW's SUN Community School students at Harrison Park Elementary create a diverse community newspaper titled The Jade Journal.

A STEM education is important for all students!

May 2, 2014

Our after-school STEM activities help provide students with learning opportunities in an extended day environment where they benefit from hands-on activities.

SAVE THE DATE!

Annual Garden Party

September 21, 2019

Shop to Support Impact NW!

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IMPACT KITS

News and Events

You Can Make an Impact

Our Mission

To help people prosper through a community of support.

Our Impact

36,000 Individuals receive nurturing, effective and quality services each year.

12,000 Meals are served weekly to hungry children.

3,321 Volunteers serve 32,382 total hours each year, a value of $688,117 in additional services.